Five things about Ukraine today

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Pro-Russians walk toward the airport in Kramatorsk in eastern Ukraine. In the first Ukrainian military action against a pro-Russian uprising in the east, government forces clashed Tuesday with about 30 armed gunmen at a small airport in Kramatorsk.
Alexander Ermochenko, AP

A pro-Russian protester uses binoculars while he attends a rally in front of the occupied regional administration building in Donetsk, Ukraine. Pro-Russian activists occupying state institutions in eastern Ukraine said Monday that they will not heed an ultimatum by the government in Kiev.
epa

People sing the Ukrainian national anthem during a pro-Ukraine rally in the eastern Ukrainian city of Lugansk. Russia's foreign minister on April 15 warned Kiev against using force to quell pro-Moscow separatists in eastern Ukraine, saying the "criminal" act would undermine talks planned in Geneva.
Dimitar Dilkoff, AFP/Getty Images

Ukrainian soldiers stand on military vehicles with Ukrainian national flags in a field about 44 miles from the eastern town of Slovyansk, where the Ukrainian regional administration building was seized by pro-Russia activists.
Maxim Dondyuk, AP

A man passes by the pro-Russia activist barricades at a regional administration building seized in Donetsk. Several government buildings have fallen to mobs of Moscow loyalists in recent days as unrest spreads across the country's east.
Efrem Lukatsky, AP

Ukrainian activists cover their eyes and show placards with an altered portrait of Interior Minister Arsen Avakov and slogans reading "Avakov, on which side are you? You must to get rid of separatists or get out yourself!" during a rally in Kiev, Ukraine, on April 14.
Sergey Dolzhenko, European Pressphoto Agency

A pro-Russian protester takes part in the storming of regional police building in Horlivka on April 14. Ukraine's interim president made a dramatic about-face aimed at defusing tensions in the separatist east by backing a national referendum on turning the former Soviet republic into a federation with broader regional rights.
Alexey Kravtsov, AFP/Getty Images

A pro-Russia activist guards a barricade outside the regional security service building April 9 in Lugansk, eastern Ukraine. The activists occupied the building April 6 and seek to break away from Ukraine and join Russia.
Genya Savilov, AFP/Getty Images

A woman wraps herself in a Russian national flag as she walks in front of a barricade at the regional administration building in Donetsk, Ukraine. Pro-Russia separatists occupied the building on April 7, demanding a regional referendum to secede from Ukraine and join Russia.
Alexander Ermochenko, AP

A demonstrator holds a placard reading "World - your support is our lives" during a protest against Russia's intervention in Ukraine and the referendum in Crimea in front of the Russian embassy in Vilnius.
Petras Malukas, AFP/Getty Images

Men hold their hands up on their heads as they are searched by pro-Russian troops at Chongar checkpoint blocking the entrance to Crimea. Russia vowed on March 10 to unveil its own solution to the Ukrainian crisis that would run counter to U.S. efforts and would appear to leave room for Crimea to switch over to Kremlin rule.
Alisa Borovikova, AFP/Getty Images

Supporters of Ukraine attend a rally in support of the keeping Crimea a part of the Ukraine in Simferopol, Ukraine. As the standoff between the Russian military and Ukrainian forces continues in Ukraine's Crimean peninsula, world leaders are pushing for a diplomatic solution to the escalating situation. Crimean citizens will vote in a referendum on March 16, on whether to become part of the Russian federation.
Spencer Platt, Getty Images

A convoy of military vehicles bearing no license plates travels on the road from Sevastopol to Simferopol, Crimea, Ukraine. Ukraine's foreign minister said Monday his country already feels like it's almost in a state of war after Russian forces took effective control of Ukraine's Crimean Peninsula.
Darko Vojinovic, AP

A Crimean Tatar man prays at a mosque in Bakhchysarai, Ukraine. The arrival of Russian troops in Crimea has opened old wounds among the Crimean Tatars, who once again fear they will be unwelcome in their homeland.
Vadim Ghirda, AP

Pro-Russian forces dubbed the "military forces of the autonomous republic of Crimea" attend their swearing-in ceremony in the Republican military enlistment complex in Simferopol.
Filippo Monteforte, AFP/Getty Images

People attend a rally in support of keeping Crimea a part of the Ukraine on March 10 in Simferopol, Ukraine. Crimean citizens will vote in a March 16 referendum on whether to become part of the Russian federation.
Spencer Platt, Getty Images

Pro-Russian "self-defense" activists beat a pro-Ukrainian supporter during clashes in Sevastopol. Pro-Ukraine and pro-Russia groups clashed in the Crimean city of Sevastopol following a rally in support of Ukraine's new government, an AFP reporter witnessed. Pro-Russian activists attacked a pro-Ukraine rally in Sevastopol with clubs and whips as thousands took to the streets across Ukraine in rival demonstrations, escalating separatist tensions in the troubled former Soviet state.
AFP/Getty Images

Ukrainians sing the national anthem during commemorations for writer and Ukrainian nationalist Taras Shevchenko in Kiev's Independence Square. As separatists in Crimea kept up pressure for unification with Moscow, Ukraine solemnly commemorated the 200th anniversary of the birth of its greatest poet, with Prime Minister Arseniy Yatsenyuk vowing not to give up "a single centimeter" of Ukrainian territory.
David Azia, AP

People rally in support of pro-Russian authorities in the Ukrainian region of Crimea in St. Petersburg. Russia's incursion in Crimea is a "serious miscalculation" and Moscow could face far-reaching economic consequences unless a diplomatic solution can be found, British Foreign Secretary William Hague said on March 9.
Olga Maltseva, AFP/Getty Images

Ukrainian riot police block the entrance of the regional administrative building during a pro-Russian rally in Donetsk, Ukraine, on March 9. Following an extraordinary meeting of the Ukrainian government, Prime Minister Arseniy Yatsenyuk announced he would be flying later this week to the United States for high-level talks on "resolution of the situation in Ukraine."
Sergei Grits, AP

People hold flags of Russian political party Rodina or Motherland-National Patriotic Union, to show their support for pro-Russian authorities in the Ukrainian region of Crimea during a rally in St. Petersburg.
Olga Maltseva, AFP/Getty Images

Pro-Russia troops guard a position at the Chongar checkpoint, blocking entrance to Crimea. Two buses carrying a team of 47 military and civilian observers were stopped from entering the region.
Alexander Nemenov, AFP/Getty Images

Members of an Orthodox church participate in a prayer vigil outside a Russian military checkpoint near a Ukrainian air force base that has reportedly been seized by the Russian military in Belbek, Ukraine.
Spencer Platt, Getty Images

People walk past a barricade where thousands of flowers have been placed in memory of those killed during clashes in and around Kiev's Independence Square. The white banner at center reads, "No more motorcades, East and West together!"
David Azia, AP

A Pro-Russia activist attends a rally on March 6 in Simferopol, Ukraine. Pro-Russia politiciansin Crimea unanimously declared they wanted to join Russia and would put the decision to voters in 10 days.
Genya Savilov, AFP/Getty Images

Ukrainian politician Alexei Goncharenko, left, confronts men with shields painted in the colors of the Russian national flag in Simferopol. The men say they are protecting Ukrainian coast guard headquarters.
Alexey Kravtsov for USA TODAY

Russian soldiers guard a pier where two Ukrainian naval ships are moored, in Sevastopol, Ukraine, on March 5. Ukraine's new prime minister said Wednesday that embattled Crimea must remain part of Ukraine, but may be granted more local powers. Since last weekend, Russian troops have taken control of much of the peninsula in the Black Sea, where Russian speakers are in the majority.
Andrew Lubimov, AP

Secretary of State John Kerry places roses on the Shrine of the Fallen as he honors anti-government protesters who died during the February clashes with police in Kiev. Kerry arrived in Kiev for talks with Ukraine's new interim government.
Sergei Supinsky, AFP/Getty Images

Ukrainian troops rest as armed men in military uniforms block the entrance of the Ukrainian military air base at the Bilbek outside Sevastopol, Ukraine. The Russian army reportedly occupied key sites in the autonomous region of Crimea, where a majority of the population is ethnic Russian. Troops surrounded several small military outposts and demanded Ukrainian troops to disarm.
Anastasia Vlasova, European Pressphoto Agency

A Ukrainian airman hangs a national flag in an area guards still control at a gate at the Belbek air base on March 4 outside Sevastopol. Russian troops have seized control of most of the facility.
Ivan Sekretarev, AP

Troops under Russian command scream orders to turn back before firing weapons into the air at an approaching group unarmed Ukrainian troops at the Belbek air base in Lubimovka.
Sean Gallup, Getty Images

Pro-Russian soldiers and others block the Ukrainian naval base in the village of Novoozerne, west of Simferopol, Ukraine. Ukraine says Russian forces controlling the strategic region of Crimea are demanding that the crew of two Ukrainian warships in Sevastopol's harbor must surrender.
Ivan Sekretarev, AP

Ukraine Ambassador to the United Nations Yuriy Sergeyev attends a Security Council meeting at the United Nations in New York. An emergency U.N. Security Council meeting on Ukraine began Monday, called by Russia to set out in greater detail its policy after being threatened by U.S. and European Union sanctions.
Timothy A. Clary, AFP/Getty Images

A young man whose Ukrainian father is a soldier at the Belbek military base checks his mobile phone for news alerts as he and other family members huddle outside the base on alert anticipating a possible Russian attack in Lubimovka, Ukraine. Tensions at the base, where between 100 and 200 Ukrainian soldiers are stationed, are high as a 4 p.m. deadline reportedly given by Russian troops for the Ukrainians to surrender passed, and locals feared the Russians might attack.
Sean Gallup, Getty Images

People listen to a political speech on a stage in Kiev's Independence Square, Ukraine. Russia pressed hard Monday for Ukrainian politicians to return to the Feb. 21 agreement that promised to create a new unity government which would rule until an early election no later than December.
Emilio Morenatti, AP

Heavily armed troops displaying no identifying insignia stand guard a local government building on March 3 in Simferopol, Ukraine. According to reports, the Russian army has occupied key military and government areas in the autonomous region of Crimea.
Sean Gallup, Getty Images

Military personnel wait near trucks in Feodosiya. People claim Russian soldiers have isolated 400 Ukrainian marines at their base in the city and were calling on them to surrender.
Viktor Drachev, AFP/Getty Images

Ukrainian soldiers, left, guard a gate as armed men in military uniform, who are believed to be Russian soldiers, stand outside in Perevalnoye village near Simferopol.
Maxim Shipenkov, European Pressphoto Agency

People shout slogans during a rally in Kiev's Independence Square. Ukraine's new prime minister urged Russian President Vladimir Putin to pull back his troops Sunday, warning that "we are on the brink of disaster."
Sergei Chuzavkov, AP

Heavily armed troops displaying no identifying insignia and local pro-Russian militants stand guard outside a local government building in Simferopol, Ukraine, on March 2. The new government of Ukraine has appealed to the U.N. Security Council for help against growing Russian intervention in Crimea.
Sean Gallup, Getty Images

Armed men in military uniforms stand near the Ukrainian coat of arms in Perevalnoye, outside Simferopol, Ukraine. Russia approved the use of armed forces on the Crimean Peninsula, which is part of Ukraine.
Alexey Furman, European Pressphoto Agency

A woman withdraws money from an ATM as another enters a bank on Independence Square in Kiev. Ukraine's central bank limited bank withdrawals to about 1,000 euros a day, reflecting the desperate state of national finances and a run on withdrawals.
Yiriy Dyachyshyn, AFP/Getty Images

Pro-Russian demonstrators march with a huge Russian flag on Feb. 27, during a protest in front of a local government building in Simferopol, in the Crimea region of Ukraine. Ukraine's acting interior minister says Interior Ministry troops and police have been put on high alert after dozens of men seized local government and legislature buildings in Crimea.
Darko Vojinovic, AP

Newly appointed Ukrainian Prime Minister Arseniy Yatsenyuk, right, speaks to newly appointed members of parliament during a first meeting of the Ukrainian Cabinet of Ministers in Kiev. Yatsenyuk was one of the most prominent leaders of the three-month anti-government protests.
Yury Kirnichny, AFP/Getty Images

New Prime Minister Arseniy Yatsenyuk, right, and deputies stand for a minute of silence in honor of people killed during the recent clashes between police and anti-government protesters, at the Ukrainan parliament.
Sergei Supinsky, AFP/Getty Images

A man wears a helmet with a painting depicting Jesus Christ during a demonstration rally in Kiev. Ukraine issued a blunt warning to Russia today after dozens of pro-Kremlin gunmen in combat fatigues seized government buildings on the volatile Crimean peninsula and Moscow offered protection to its neighbour's ousted president.
Yuriy Dyachyshyn, AFP/Getty Images

Pro-Russian men armed with clubs gather outside the Crimea regional parliament building after parliamentarians voted for a May 25th referendum on Crimea's autonomy earlier in the day in Simferopol, Ukraine.
Sean Gallup, Getty Images

Pro-Russia demonstrators march with a huge Russian national flag during a protest in front of a local government building on Feb. 27 in Simferopol, Ukraine. A group of heavily armed men seized the parliament building and raised the Russian flag, but have not issued any demands.
Darko Vojinovic, AP

Crimean Tatars shout slogans during a protest in front of a local government building on Feb. 26 in Simferopol, Ukraine. Ten thousand Muslim Tatars rallied in support of the interim Ukranian government and clashed with a group of pro-Russia demonstrators.
Darko Vojinovic, AP

People collect wood at the camp in Kiev's Independence Square. Ukraine's interim leader on Feb. 25 delayed the appointment of a new unity government until Feb. 27 as the country sought to find a way out of its most serious political crisis since independence.
Bulent Kilic, AFP/Getty Images

A funeral of an anti-government demonstrator takes place in Independence square, where dozens of protester were killed in clashes with riot police last week in Kiev, Ukraine.
Jeff J Mitchell, Getty Images

Ukrainian's set up a cross in front of the Ukrainian Parliament building in downtown of Kiev. Russia and the European Union warned of growing instability in Ukraine, as the country's new leaders postponed the formation of an interim government and potential financial aid packages were being discussed on both sides of the Atlantic.
Maxim Shipenkov, European Pressphoto Agency

People light candles near a makeshift memorial in homage to anti-government protesters killed in the past weeks' clashes with riot police in Kiev's Independence Square. Ukraine issued an arrest warrant Monday for ousted president Viktor Yanukovych over the "mass murder" of protesters and appealed for $35 billion in Western aid to pull the crisis-hit country from the brink of economic collapse.
Bulent Kilic, AFP/Getty Images

People rest in the town hall of Kiev, Ukraine. The town hall has been the logistic, health, food and recreation center of protesters since the beginning of anti-government demonstrations.
Laszlo Beliczay, European Pressphoto Agency

A young woman and children light a candle in memory of those who were killed during the recent violent protests in Kiev, Ukraine. Ukraine's parliament voted to appoint its speaker Oleksandr Turchynov as interim president.
Alexey Furman, European Pressphoto Agency

Women shed tears as they stand in front of a makeshift memorial for victims of violence in Ukraine during a protest outside the Ukrainian Permanent Mission to the United Nations in New York City.
Timothy A. Clary, AFP/Getty Images

People wave a large Ukrainian flag in Independence Square on Feb. 23 in Kiev. After a chaotic and violent week, Viktor Yanukovych has been ousted as president as the Ukrainian parliament moves forward with scheduling new elections and establishing a caretaker government.
Brendan Hoffman, Getty Images

Parliament speaker and newly appointed interim president of Ukraine, Olexandr Turchynov, seated, talks with deputies during a session at the Parliament in Kiev on Feb. 23. Ukrainian lawmakers appointed Turchynov interim president, a day after they voted to oust President Viktor Yanukovych.
Sergei Supinsky, AFP/Getty Images

People visit makeshift memorials to the victims of the recent clashes in central Kiev on Feb. 23. A new era opened in Ukraine as parliament gave itself three days to form a new government after impeaching a defiant president Viktor Yanukovych and calling early elections following a week of carnage.
Louisa Gouliamaki, AFP/Getty Images

A young Ukrainian woman kisses her baby next to a makeshift shelter in downtown of Kiev. Protesters took full control of ousted president Viktor Yanukovych's residence and provided free access of the premises for Ukrainians and the media.
Maxim Shipenkov, European Pressphoto Agency

Ukrainian President OleksandrTurchynov's supporters shout slogans as they try to prevent celebrations by pro-Western supporters in Donetsk. Meanwhile, ousted president Viktor Yanukovych's whereabouts remain a mystery following a week of carnage followed by his impeachment.
Alexander Khudoteply, AFP/Getty Images

Anti-government protesters stand on a barricade at the entrance to Kiev's Independence Square after the Ukranian parliament impeached a defiant president Viktor Yanukovych.
Bulent Kilic, AFP/Getty Images

Anti-government protesters react to news from Ukraine's parliament in Kiev, Ukraine on Feb. 22. Protesters took control of Ukraine's capital on Saturday, seizing the president's office as parliament sought to oust him and form a new government.
Marko Drobnjakovic, AP

Former Ukrainian minister of Internal Affairs Yuriy Lutsenko speaks during a rally. Police officers from Lviv, Ukraine, who joined anti-government protesters stand on a stage.
Maxim Shipenkov, European Pressphoto Agency

A protester stands behind barricades during clashes with police in Kiev on Feb. 20. Fighting continues despite a truce negotiated between the Ukrainian president and opposition leaders.
Bulent Kilic, AFP/Getty Images

An anti-government protester at Independence Square. Ukraine's protest leaders and the president had called for a truce, quickly shattered, on Feb. 19, just hours after the military raised fears of a widespread crackdown.
Marko Drobnjakovic, AP

The auditorium inside the Trade Unions Building in Kiev, Ukraine is burned by fire. The building has served as the de facto headquarters for the anti-government protest movement.
Brendan Hoffman, Getty Images

Ukraine's President Viktor Yanukovych addresses the nation from Kiev on Feb. 19. Yanukovych said anti-government protesters had "crossed the limits" by taking to the streets to try to oust him from power.
AFP/Getty Images

Thousands of police armed with stun grenades and water cannons attacked a large opposition camp in Ukraine's capital on Feb. 18 that has been the center of nearly three months of anti-government protests after at least nine people were killed in street clashes.
Efrem Lukatsky AP

Anti-government protesters are ready to clash with police. Ukraine has been mired in political crisis since November when the government backed away from a trade agreement with the European Union and signed a $15 billion loan deal with Russia.
Sergei Supinsky, AFP/Getty Images